Afghan Taliban Commander Killed In Badakhshan Province

Afghan officials say the Taliban's local commander in northeastern Badakhshan Province has been killed.

Provincial spokesman Abdul Naweed Froutan said on July 10 that Qari Fasih-u-din, who was the Taliban's shadow governor in Badakhshan Province, was killed during fighting in Juram district on July 9.

He said four other Taliban fighters and four Afghan soldiers were injured in the clash.

Meanwhile, at least six personnel working with the Halo Trust demining organization were killed on July 10 when armed men attacked their convoy in western Afghanistan.

The violence comes as the Taliban and other militants have stepped up attacks on security forces in many parts of the country as they fight for control of key routes and other territory ahead of the withdrawal of U.S. and allied combat troops by the end of 2014.